Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the most cosmopolitan city in Vietnam. It surprised us, even though we already knew what to expect from the city. Here you’ll see skyscrapers, modern buildings, and a completely different side of the country. You’ll spend these 3 days in Saigon mostly in District 1, as this is where most of the main tourist attractions are located. It is a lively and chaotic city, so you definitely won’t get bored. But if you prefer nature, like me, then you’ll probably want to spend a shorter time here.
My 14-16 day Vietnam itinerary ends here, and I really suggest doing the same: travelling from Hanoi to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is very different from the rest of the country, even though it can also feel much more chaotic. I consider that some of the beauty of Vietnam hides beyond Ho Chi Minh City, so I wouldn’t spend too many days in the city if nature is what you enjoy most.
Are 3 days enough in Saigon?
There are many places to see around Ho Chi Minh City, but if you are planning a trip from Hanoi to Saigon, I recommend staying for at least a few days in the city. Three days is a good amount of time to explore the main attractions without making your itinerary too rushed.
If you have more time, I suggest staying a few extra days, as there are plenty of interesting places to visit around the city. One of the best options is a trip to the Mekong Delta, where you can experience a completely different side of southern Vietnam.
Where to stay
For this itinerary, I suggest staying in District 1 or District 3. They are next to each other, so both are good options for exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Most of the main tourist attractions are located in District 1, which makes it the most convenient choice if this is your first time in Saigon. District 3 is also a good option if you prefer a slightly quieter area while still being close to the city center.
My Map Itinerary
How to get to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Whether you are coming from Hanoi, Hoi An, or from home, I suggest travelling by plane. It’s the easiest way to travel between the far-away cities in Vietnam, especially if you are following a longer Vietnam itinerary.
We used Vietnam Airlines, and we had a very good experience, so I can definitely recommend this airline. They also operate domestic routes connecting major cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
3 Day Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
To explore the city more efficiently, I’ve created this 3-day Saigon itinerary, although you can easily adapt it into a 2-day Saigon itinerary if you don’t have much time. This way, you can see the main things to do in Ho Chi Minh City without feeling too rushed.
Day 1: Arrival Day
After your arrival, wander through District 1, where most of the main tourist attractions are located. Spend the evening on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. On this street, you’ll see the Independence Palace, a statue of Ho Chi Minh, and also the famous Cafe Apartment. This is a tall, old building where every floor has a different coffee shop, restaurant, or bar. You can enjoy a drink while watching the city from above, which I really liked.
Day 2: Discover the center of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Wake up as early as you can because the heat here can be very difficult to handle. At least for us, it was really bad! Start your morning with a delicious meal at Little HaNoi Egg Coffee.
Thích Quảng Đức Memorial
If you have a passion for history, head to the Thích Quảng Đức Memorial. It commemorates a tragic event that occurred in 1963, when a Buddhist monk died by self-immolation at this intersection.
Mariamman Hindu Temple
After visiting the memorial, walk to the Mariamman Hindu Temple, a small and colorful Hindu temple near Ben Thanh Market. Visit it and enjoy the atmosphere quietly, as it is still an active place where people come to pray.
Ben Thanh Market
If you still have souvenirs to buy, Ben Thanh Market is really the place to do it. Head there as it is very close to the Hindu Temple. It is a big market without fans or air conditioning, so expect it to be crowded and very hot. You will literally get lost between the stalls! If you buy something, don’t forget to bargain – it is not optional!
Afterwards, take a short break and have something cold to drink. We stopped at Trung Nguyen Legend, but there are plenty of places you can try, so feel free to choose whatever looks good to you.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon & Send a postcard to family and friends
From the coffee stop, walk towards Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. This will almost take you to Europe, as the cathedral was built during the French colonial period. It has become one of the main tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Right near the cathedral, you’ll also find the Saigon Central Post Office and Saigon Book Street.
Enter the Saigon Central Post Office and see how things work and how you can send postcards to your loved ones. I really enjoyed this idea. I suggest writing your postcards in your hotel room at your own pace. If you don’t have time, you can always come back the next morning, when it should be less crowded.
Saigon Book Street
Saigon Book Street is a really short street and, as the name suggests, it is full of bookshops. It’s a nice place to walk through, but I was expecting to see some books in English, especially because it is a touristy area. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Spend the rest of the evening however you want. We went back to the hotel to relax a little bit. To be honest, we tried a 5-star hotel, so we wanted to spend as much time there as possible!
Bui Vien Street
When night comes, head to Bui Vien Street, the famous street in District 1 known for its nightlife. I think it is very interesting to see how different this street is from the rest of the city, especially after dark.
Day 3: Departure Day
On this day, enjoy your last moments in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). If you have enough time, you can visit a few more tourist attractions, or simply take it easy and prepare for your next destination. We started our morning with breakfast at Au Patio Restaurant.
FAQ
Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for tourists. However, as in any busy city, you should keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Be particularly careful with your phone, camera, and bag near busy streets, as bag snatching by motorbike riders can happen.
It depends on your nationality. Vietnam currently offers visa exemptions for citizens of certain countries, while citizens of all countries and territories can apply for a 90-day e-visa, including for entry through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Always check the current requirements for your passport before travelling.
The easiest ways to get around the city are walking, Grab, taxis, and local buses. For central attractions, walking is often the best option because many sights are relatively close to each other. For longer distances, we found Grab very convenient.
Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). You can take a taxi or book a ride through a Grab. If you prefer a private transfer, you can also arrange one with your hotel in advance.
Ho Chi Minh City is warm throughout the year. The rainy season generally runs from May to November, while December and January tend to be slightly cooler. April and May can be particularly hot, so if you prefer more comfortable temperatures, the cooler months can be a better choice. I visited at the beginning of April.
Final Thoughts on This 3 Days in Saigon Itinerary
Spending 3 days in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a great way to experience the city without feeling too rushed. From exploring its historic landmarks and busy markets to enjoying Vietnamese food and discovering the lively streets at night, there is plenty to keep you busy.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Saigon and makes it easier to decide what to see, where to eat, and how to spend your time in the city. Enjoy your trip!
